Situation in Ukraine Not to Affect Nuclear Talks with Iran: Ryabkov
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said differences between Russia and the US over Ukraine will not derail the nuclear talks between Iran and the Group 5+1 (Russia, the US, Britain, China, France and Germany).
“In my opinion, there are no reasons to fear the situation around Ukraine will be a ‘bomb’ under the negotiations on the Iranian nuclear program and would affect the results (of the talks),” RIA Novosti quoted Ryabkov as saying.
“We believe the counterparts from the US, like the EU countries participating in the process, do share the confidence of Russia and China that everyone will benefit from the agreement.”
The high-ranking Russian diplomat added that he believes Iran and the sextet of world powers have chances to reach an agreement on the nuclear program before July 20.
Iran and the G5+1 (alternatively known as P5+1 or E3+3) started a fresh round of high-profile nuclear talks in the Austrian capital of Vienna on Wednesday. The negotiations are scheduled to continue until July 20.
“The round in June and the other one which began on July 2 are different from the previous ones as there appears certain static energy, which by common effort should be released and which will develop into the energy of progress,” Ryabkov stated.
He confirmed he could feel certain political will among the participants, and at the same time certain worries about a lack of time.
